Simple Ways to Boost Happiness For Your Family

Guest Post from Parents Magazine

 

Here’s how to slip small moments of love and closeness into even the busiest days.

Wish you could slow down and take time to really connect with your kids? Fortunately, there are ways to sneak in spontaneous fun and quality time that will encourage kids to feel good about themselves and help you feel more confident as a parent. These instant happiness boosters require little time, money or planning, and they can make a big difference.

Schedule snuggle time.

Take advantage of Saturday mornings to have all the kids get in bed with you for a 15-minute cuddle. Try not to schedule anything early so you can just hang out and feel close to each other.

Put on some mood music.

Use background music to set the mood. When cabin fever strikes and the atmosphere around the house gets tense, turn on some lively music and watch the emotional barometer rise.

Breathe deeply.

Whenever you’re on the verge of completely losing it with your kids, take three deep breaths to cool off. This calming mechanism works well for children, too.

Give indirect compliments.

When you want to praise your child, occasionally let her overhear you saying something good about her to someone else. An overheard compliment can be a powerful boost to self-esteem because your child knows that it’s from the heart.

Use a “talking napkin.”

Place a bright cloth napkin on the dinner table and pass it around during the meal. Whoever has it gets to talk without interruption. It’s a concrete way for even younger children to practice listening, speaking about their day and showing respect for others.

Spend time with each child.

Once a week, commit to one-on-one time with each of your children. When your kids know they’ll each have a turn to get your undivided attention, they learn to respect each other’s special times, as well.

Hit the road.

Sometimes you just need a change of scenery. Get the whole family in the car and take off for a secret destination such as the library, a nearby pond or the ice-cream shop. The mystery and spontaneity will distract everybody from petty irritants.

Count blessings.

Take some moments at dinner or bedtime to acknowledge the good things in your life. Don’t be heavy-handed about it. Just say, “You know, the nicest thing happened today…” and ask your family members to share any good things that happened to them.

Celebrate half-birthdays.

Mark this milestone in a lighthearted, inexpensive way. For instance, it’s fun to bake half a cake, give half a pair of socks as a present and put up half a birthday sign. Any reason to celebrate, no matter how small, lifts the spirits and breaks up the ordinary routine.

Relax-ercize together.

An increasing number of parents are introducing their kids to stress-relieving exercises, such as stretching, yoga and tai chi. Have your kids join in as you limber up.

Switch places.

One night a week, ask family members to change places at the dinner table. The simple act of switching seats can give everyone a whole new perspective. The sense of novelty can lead to fewer fights between kids and less clashing over table manners.

Turn off and unplug.

For one night each week, declare that no one in the house will turn on any electronic devices. Think of a variety of ways to have low-tech fun, such as playing musical instruments and singing, reading aloud, playing games, telling jokes or just talking.

Think small.

Take time to help your children appreciate the natural world. Let them try to wrap their arms around a tree, smell flowers or go outside and gaze at the stars. Think of these activities not as educational but as ways to let your child feel part of something greater. The truth is, children are less worried and more secure when they know they’re not the center of the universe but a small part of the whole.

 

©Meredith Corporation. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

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